No diea if there is one already but I just started watchign and enjoying this last year and this season will be the first full season I watch, I have no idea on half the rules except the basics! be good to find someone who can help me and in the process helps others who might be reading and are interested..

I have yet to pick a team, but the Ravens seem ok, and I do like Ravens as in the birds anyway... Being from England it would be too damn easy to just go for the Patriots!

I'm a long time Broncos fan, By coincidence, we beat the Ravens last night in the opening game of the season. Not sure if it makes up for losing to the Ravens in the playoffs last year, but at least we lost to the eventual Superbowl winners.

I've been following for a long while, so I've got to know a fair bit bout the game, but nowhere near our American forumers who have been brought up with the game. I believe Pedrosa4ever is pretty knowledgeable too.

Massive american football fan here (also referee it here in the UK and even I maybe don't know all the rules )!

Don't be one of the people who picks New England as a team because its got England in the name, it ignores the fact that their mascot is one of those people who handed our donkeys to us in 1776 .

I'm ashamed to admit that I'm a Browns fan, every year just gets little bit more depressing.

Anyway, I recommend that, if you get chance, you watch some college football. They get massive crowds (biggest is like 110000) and the atmosphere is fantastic. Everyone (fans, coaches, players) is really passionate, the NFL is a little sterile in comparison.

_________________"When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea."

Massive american football fan here (also referee it here in the UK and even I maybe don't know all the rules )!

Don't be one of the people who picks New England as a team because its got England in the name, it ignores the fact that their mascot is one of those people who handed our donkeys to us in 1776 .

I'm ashamed to admit that I'm a Browns fan, every year just gets little bit more depressing.

Anyway, I recommend that, if you get chance, you watch some college football. They get massive crowds (biggest is like 110000) and the atmosphere is fantastic. Everyone (fans, coaches, players) is really passionate, the NFL is a little sterile in comparison.

I know most people outside of the USA are totally baffled by the popularity of College sports in the US, but you are spot on, P4E.... there are a great many more outrageously avid college football fans than even the NFL.... for all the reasons you mentioned.

As for Cleveland, the city whose love for John Elway knows no boundries, it looks like the Browns defense should be pretty good this year, but the offense still needs some help.

The best part is both the NFL and college seasons are off to a great start, and it is only going to get better!

My Steelers vs Vikings tickets just came in this week. ME and my pals have been getting together every year for the Superbowl for the last 6 or 7 years. After the first or second one, I decided I needed to knwo more to get into the game a little bit more and so started watching the C4/C5 coverage with Mike Carlson that shows a game and some highlights but also explains things a lot. Got me into the game. I've been to a couple of Scottish Claymore games before but I want to see an NFL game and when the Vikings were confirmed as coming this year I couldn't miss out. I'll be wearing my 28 Jersey to the game. Vikings are my team.

And I've been playing Madden 2009 all day (I'm not enough of a fan to care about who is on the right roster, so I only get Madden games when they are dirt cheap).

So yeah, I like a bit of the NFL. I'm more of a detailed highlights than a full game fan though, the game is a bit too stop-start for my liking.

what the hell was that drop by that Broncos player? missed out on what looked ot be an easy touch down!

I was thinking of Vikings, or Raiders, but I think I will continue to watch and learn and perhaps one of the teams will grow on me!

And no worries I know about that New England thing! defiantly won't be them even though I did support them in the early days, for other reasons, perhaps I should ask which team has the most British players, I know there arent many but the SKY team did comment that more and more players from Britain are playing over there in the NFL..

I will try and run down some of what I know so far, I know personal foul, is usually a tackle or contact made out of play, can also be holding the mask I guess and things like that!

is it 4 'downs' they get before they have to kick it? not 100% sure! and I always see the yellow line so know how far they have to get, but what does it exactly mean and how much is that actual distance? so many questions!

After 4 downs, if you haven't made your distance then you lose possession.

If that happens, the other team's line of scrimmage is from the position you were playing from. You want to maximise the distance that team needs to drive up the field. As such, if you fail on 3rd down the tendency is to punt the ball in order to put it a long way down the field and maximise that distance.

On some plays though, the team will run it or pass it, often using a fake punt play in order to keep possession. It's a bigger risk but if you can pull it off and can make first down you could get a pretty big reward. If you were in the opposing teams 20 or so, you'd go for the field goal rather than the punt (as FG scores 3 points).

Last edited by mac_d on Mon Sep 09, 2013 9:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I find American football is pretty tricky to get into as a newcomer, especially here in the UK where it gets little exposure and the coverage seems geared toward enthusiasts rather than the casual fan. To me the game seems horrendously complicated (the basic idea is simple enough but there are so many minor rules and intricacies that I just don't get, the thickness of the rulebook must rival F1's technical regs) and the punditry is an absolute minefield of jargon. It's as if the game has developed a language of its own and I have no clue what the pundits are on about.

Having said that I'll still be watching every Sunday. Even if the game is of little interest to me, add some mates (mine are massively into it), beer and curry into the mix and you've got a great Sunday evening!

the 2 point extra point(s) is earned by either choosing to run or pass for the points. You get one point when you kick it through the goal posts for the bonus. Usually a team will kick for it as that is relatively easy, but when a team is behind by more than at TD (6 points) and an extra point, they may choose to go for 2 in order to close the gap, or perhaps even to win the game.

Massive american football fan here (also referee it here in the UK and even I maybe don't know all the rules )!

Don't be one of the people who picks New England as a team because its got England in the name, it ignores the fact that their mascot is one of those people who handed our donkeys to us in 1776 .

I'm ashamed to admit that I'm a Browns fan, every year just gets little bit more depressing.

Anyway, I recommend that, if you get chance, you watch some college football. They get massive crowds (biggest is like 110000) and the atmosphere is fantastic. Everyone (fans, coaches, players) is really passionate, the NFL is a little sterile in comparison.

I know most people outside of the USA are totally baffled by the popularity of College sports in the US, but you are spot on, P4E.... there are a great many more outrageously avid college football fans than even the NFL.... for all the reasons you mentioned.

As for Cleveland, the city whose love for John Elway knows no boundries, it looks like the Browns defense should be pretty good this year, but the offense still needs some help.

The best part is both the NFL and college seasons are off to a great start, and it is only going to get better!

LOL.. I hear ya!

The 1986 Championship Game and John Elways' 99 yard drive to the Endzone for the Broncos that broke the Brown's heart. They have never forgiven him lol.

Massive Seahawks fan. Back In the early eighties when I and some friends started watching they were all Redskins, Cowboys, Dolphins and Raiders fans. I didn't want to be like all the 'followers' so I picked the Seahawks.

Have to add that my second team is the Browns but they have had no success like the Browns that moved to Baltimore a few years back.

Vikings lost their opener but Peterson was very strong and the defence didn't look as weak as they often appeared to be last year. I doubt they'll win the big one, but I think this could be a good year.

Didn't see the Steelers game though, I want to see how they are looking ahead of seeing them at Wembley.

what the hell was that drop by that Broncos player? missed out on what looked ot be an easy touch down!

I was thinking of Vikings, or Raiders, but I think I will continue to watch and learn and perhaps one of the teams will grow on me!

And no worries I know about that New England thing! defiantly won't be them even though I did support them in the early days, for other reasons, perhaps I should ask which team has the most British players, I know there arent many but the SKY team did comment that more and more players from Britain are playing over there in the NFL..

I will try and run down some of what I know so far, I know personal foul, is usually a tackle or contact made out of play, can also be holding the mask I guess and things like that!

is it 4 'downs' they get before they have to kick it? not 100% sure! and I always see the yellow line so know how far they have to get, but what does it exactly mean and how much is that actual distance? so many questions!

I grew up in California and have been a life long Raiders fan, but as a newcomer you should know that they've been crap for far too long. Not that I'm advocating bandwagonning in anyway, but it could curb your enthusiasm rooting for a team that makes so many poor desicions. On the other hand you can learn a lot about the penalty system watching their games even when they're good.

And as someone who's lived in Maryland since '86 I will encourage you to go with the Ravens. Although since they are the result of the Browns moving P4E might not like them they've been my East Coast version of the Raiders since the move. Only without the poor personel decisions.

I find American football is pretty tricky to get into as a newcomer, especially here in the UK where it gets little exposure and the coverage seems geared toward enthusiasts rather than the casual fan. To me the game seems horrendously complicated (the basic idea is simple enough but there are so many minor rules and intricacies that I just don't get, the thickness of the rulebook must rival F1's technical regs) and the punditry is an absolute minefield of jargon. It's as if the game has developed a language of its own and I have no clue what the pundits are on about.

Having said that I'll still be watching every Sunday. Even if the game is of little interest to me, add some mates (mine are massively into it), beer and curry into the mix and you've got a great Sunday evening!

I find that it's often easier to enjoy a game where I don't care who wins. The stress of having "your" team can be maddening!

But if you want the full experience replace the curry with BBQ. No need to change you beer of choice though beer of any type will work.

Watched the Eagles play - Wow ... if they had Kaepernik or RG3 they would be feared by everyone ! As it is, I think Vick will do OK, but I don't think he can carry them to the SB.It is a fun system to watch tho. Always liked watching the Ducks play the last few years.

Watched the Eagles play - Wow ... if they had Kaepernik or RG3 they would be feared by everyone ! As it is, I think Vick will do OK, but I don't think he can carry them to the SB.It is a fun system to watch tho. Always liked watching the Ducks play the last few years.

Given how injury prone he is, I reckon Vick will barely make it past week 7 or 8 before the pace of the offense and the hits he's taking catch up with him and he gets hurt.

_________________"When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea."

Watched the Eagles play - Wow ... if they had Kaepernik or RG3 they would be feared by everyone ! As it is, I think Vick will do OK, but I don't think he can carry them to the SB.It is a fun system to watch tho. Always liked watching the Ducks play the last few years.

Given how injury prone he is, I reckon Vick will barely make it past week 7 or 8 before the pace of the offense and the hits he's taking catch up with him and he gets hurt.

Turns out it was only week 2 before he got knocked out of a game (for a few plays at least)!

_________________"When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea."

Up with like 30 seconds to play, lost by a point. Vikings defense just looks so weak.

To be fair, they got some big fumbles and interceptions, the offense didn't convert on the chances they were given. Ponder isn't a starting NFL quarterback.

The Bears had a pretty good defense and it made the Vikings just look so damn poor in the same category. The Bears did a great job shutting down AP and Ponder always seemed to be under massive pressure. Cutler usually had time to pick a target and through while having a man coming at him. Ponder always seemed to have 2 guys coming straight at him with no blocking. They are going to keep Ponder at first string but I'd be tempted to see Cassel in action, though I think he is also past his best. Maybe Favre will come out of retirement again and come back to the Vikings.

Basically, Vikings defense - poor. Vikings offensive line - poor. Vikings QB - poor. AP - Just one man! And yes, you are correct they managed some big plays that did change the course and frankly that made Vikings looks better than they were. The Bears were a better team last night and played better, and I think they did deserve the win.

Packers looked very strong, with Rodgers seeming to be in good form. I only saw the highlights that they showed during the Bears vs Vikings game though. Also looking forward to seeing the highlights of the Broncos vs Giants, watched some but had to go to bed before we got too far into it.

My Steelers vs Vikings tickets just came in this week. ME and my pals have been getting together every year for the Superbowl for the last 6 or 7 years. After the first or second one, I decided I needed to knwo more to get into the game a little bit more and so started watching the C4/C5 coverage with Mike Carlson that shows a game and some highlights but also explains things a lot. Got me into the game. I've been to a couple of Scottish Claymore games before but I want to see an NFL game and when the Vikings were confirmed as coming this year I couldn't miss out. I'll be wearing my 28 Jersey to the game. Vikings are my team.

Seeya there!

5 Irish lads heading over to London for a weekend of beer and NFL - I cannot flippin' wait

While I like the current Vikings one, I must say that one is bad donkey. Hate the Steelers one. Hate the Giants one. Don't like the Patriots one. Seahawks one just makes me thing of Pigeot from Pokemon.

Sleeper train from Glasgow to London on Thursday night. Street Party Saturday (and I have Wicked Tickets!). Then one set of losers vs another. I wasn't expecting both teams to be 0-3 after 3 games! I think it is going to be great fun at Wembley on Sunday night! I'll be wearing purple all weekend. I washed my purple hoody especially and have my jersey ready to get worn more this weekend than the rest of the time I've even had it.

While I like the current Vikings one, I must say that one is bad donkey. Hate the Steelers one. Hate the Giants one. Don't like the Patriots one. Seahawks one just makes me thing of Pigeot from Pokemon.

Sleeper train from Glasgow to London on Thursday night. Street Party Saturday (and I have Wicked Tickets!). Then one set of losers vs another. I wasn't expecting both teams to be 0-3 after 3 games! I think it is going to be great fun at Wembley on Sunday night! I'll be wearing purple all weekend. I washed my purple hoody especially and have my jersey ready to get worn more this weekend than the rest of the time I've even had it.

Yeah. I agree with all of that. I did like the reference to the San Francisco gold rush though. I don't think anyone liked the Steelers one haha.

While I like the current Vikings one, I must say that one is bad donkey. Hate the Steelers one. Hate the Giants one. Don't like the Patriots one. Seahawks one just makes me thing of Pigeot from Pokemon.

Sleeper train from Glasgow to London on Thursday night. Street Party Saturday (and I have Wicked Tickets!). Then one set of losers vs another. I wasn't expecting both teams to be 0-3 after 3 games! I think it is going to be great fun at Wembley on Sunday night! I'll be wearing purple all weekend. I washed my purple hoody especially and have my jersey ready to get worn more this weekend than the rest of the time I've even had it.

Raiders, Steelers, and Giants all kinda suck. Titans is cool. Many don't look different enough from the current logo. Packers looks like a college teams logo. The Washington team just needs to change their name.

Game was great fun. Been walking about London in my Vikings 28 Jersey all weekend usually getting some banter. Was literally surrounded by Steelers fans tonight. Quite funny when Purple Jesus ran in a 60 yard TD and I'm on my feet going mental while they sit, head in hands. The rare nature of the games meant it is more just an excuse for all the nfl fans to get together and the general feel was very jovial and relaxed. Absolutely great atmosphere all weekend.

In a side note - London is one hell of a city. And the London Underground is amazing. Great museums and they all seem to serve booze! They don't let us get tiddled in Glasgow in the museums. New Wembley is also something else. Very impressed. I hated New York but London is fantastic. Biggest event for me ina stadium before is Hampden Park at 55000.

Expensive lark but getting to see an all time great score 2 TDs including a 60 yarder while wearing his jersey number and surrounded by the Steelers fans who had given me some (friendly) abuse before was pretty spectacular. Train home Monday night. Not sure if I'll be in work on Tuesday, don't arrive back until 7am on Tuesday morn!

Just to make everyone (especially you, mac_d) rather jealous, that guy with the K on his back is me:

No flippin' way!

Was there one point where you were standing by the catch netting at one end? A dude with a K on his back (looking very like the guy in that photo) managed to catch the ball when it dropped down and was pretty damn happy with himself... was that you P4E?! Me and my buddies were sitting in the front row behind the cameramen (Row 7 - Rows 1-6 were closed off).

Unvelievable seats and a great game. It's great the lengths they go to to keep the crowd entertained. We danced, sang, stamped, clapped, shouted a hell of a lot and managed to see some football in between. Just fantastic.

(And Gene Simmons doing the Star Spangled Banner was nothing short of bizarre)(I also never thought I would ever be present for a Tinie Tempah live show...)

Like mac_d we had an incredible weekend in London. 5 Irish lads in top form, plenty of drink, plenty of sports and met a few ladies to top it all off We were working the room in every bar we went in to and kept one carriage of a tube thoroughly entertained on Saturday. Can't wait to go back in the (hopefully) very near future.

Just to make everyone (especially you, mac_d) rather jealous, that guy with the K on his back is me:

No flippin' way!

Was there one point where you were standing by the catch netting at one end? A dude with a K on his back (looking very like the guy in that photo) managed to catch the ball when it dropped down and was pretty damn happy with himself... was that you P4E?! Me and my buddies were sitting in the front row behind the cameramen (Row 7 - Rows 1-6 were closed off).

Unvelievable seats and a great game. It's great the lengths they go to to keep the crowd entertained. We danced, sang, stamped, clapped, shouted a hell of a lot and managed to see some football in between. Just fantastic.

(And Gene Simmons doing the Star Spangled Banner was nothing short of bizarre)(I also never thought I would ever be present for a Tinie Tempah live show...)

Like mac_d we had an incredible weekend in London. 5 Irish lads in top form, plenty of drink, plenty of sports and met a few ladies to top it all off We were working the room in every bar we went in to and kept one carriage of a tube thoroughly entertained on Saturday. Can't wait to go back in the (hopefully) very near future.

Yeah, that was me (there was only one person wearing a K out there). I was pretty pleased because a. I have quite frankly dreadful hand-eye coordination so I was shocked I actually managed to catch it, and b. I had a bet with my mate who was watching the stand who said that I wouldn't manage to catch one off the nets .

_________________"When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea."

Just got home about an hour ago. Absolutely shattered. Not going into work as I'm gonna need a kip as sleeping on the train was broken at best. Had to take off the Vikings jersey as it was smelling a bit after Saturday, Sunday and Monday wearing it. I had an absolute ball this weekend, and would definitely do it again especially if it was the Vikings playing again. I have, on my "Bucket List" "See the Vikings play at Home". I'm still deciding if this counted.

The Peterson 60-yard run might actually be my favourite moment of my life! Him running with me, on my feet shouting, wearing #28, waving two flags surrounded by Steelers fans was a pretty epic moment. I'm usually quite reserved, not during this game.

Game itself was great.The stuff to do outside Wembley ahead of the game was pretty cool.Merchandise stands were slow but well run.Ticket prices were very high... I think mine we like £120 and, while decent and close to the pitch, that is more than I have paid for a ticket for any event excluding F1 or Festivals, both of which are 3 days.Atmosphere was BRILLIANT. Everyone wearing Jerseys would go talk to other folks in Jerseys. I spoke to Steelers fans up by Buckingham Palace, Vikings fans all over London, a group of guys supporting multiple teams down near the stadium and chatted to the Steelers fans who surrounded me in the stadium. Absolute party and a truly brilliant atmosphere. Very similar to F1 in the sense that most people can't really be placed into a "Home" or "away" category, unlike going to Football.

An expensive long weekend, the cost ended up about £500 per person but I think I got more than £500 worth of value to me out of it, so I'm happy.

The best/scariest bit of the day for me was the late hit in the 3rd quarter. The Vikings player who was thrown genuinely landed right at my feet and was maybe a foot from taking me out completely. My whole life flashes before my eyes .

_________________"When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea."